New sidewalk on Rotemühlenweg: accessibility for everyone!

New sidewalk on Rotemühlenweg: accessibility for everyone!

A big step for accessibility in the city: On July 9, 2025, the first construction phase of the sidewalk renewal on Rotemühlenweg was completed. As osterode.de reports, the sidewalk between the bridge over the Mühlengraben and the junction with Ernst-Müller-Allee was extensively renovated. A few weeks ago, the construction work was accepted, which creates the basis for safe and comfortable transportation for all citizens.

An important aspect of the renovation is improving accessibility for people with mobility limitations. A new railing was installed to ensure better orientation and safety. This is particularly relevant as feedback from citizens and the Disability Advisory Board indicated limited usability of the area. The total costs of this measure amount to around 180,000 euros and, in addition to the construction work, also include subsoil investigations and surveying services.

Planned expansions and inclusive infrastructure

The city administration of Osterode is setting an example for an inclusive infrastructure. A planned second construction phase is intended to include the renovation of the bridge over the Mühlengraben as well as further renewal of the sidewalk in this area. This not only addresses the needs of wheelchair users and people with walking aids, but also ensures broader accessibility for everyone.

A note that is often mentioned in connection with barrier-free design is the DIN 18040-1 standard. This defines important criteria for the design of public transport areas, including the width and nature of paths and entrances. For example, minimum widths are set for movement areas that enable safe encounters between pedestrians and people with special needs. An example shows that the recommended path width when encountering wheelchairs, strollers or walking aids should be at least 1.80 m to ensure proper use at all times. Aspects such as the drainage of surface water, surface properties and the need for tactile soil indicators are also taken into account, as nullsperr.de explains.

A step into the future

The completion of the renovation work not only marks progress in urban development, but is also in the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 2008, which is intended to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities. Access to public infrastructure is a fundamental right, and with this work the city is making a significant contribution to promoting accessibility. These standards, such as DIN 18040, are not only regulations, but also a guide for creating an inclusive society.

With this measure, Osterode shows that something is being made and that a good hand for the design of public spaces is being demonstrated. Ongoing communication with citizens, especially with people who rely on barrier-free offers, is essential. The road to inclusion is long, but every measure brings us a lot closer!